Moonbeam at .108, this one particularly is an apex predator. It is an easy player but trends bright and aggressive. It is a very traditional setup with a very early style baffle and the specific relationships between elements here has created a bit of a monster.
A totally unique player; big complex, extremely easy. This one has lots of ringing colors and brilliance but is not overwhelmingly optimized for brightness, it sits in the middle of the spectrum on tone, but has a very surprising satisfaction quotient.
This is a second series piece with some very minor aesthetic changes that is a one off killer player.
Moonbeam tenor mouthpiece production and model information
How are they made?
Moonbeam starts with a uniquely great early serialed Florida Link 7* #027 precisely digital mapped via industrial x-ray tomography, which is then transformed into a digital model file, (by humans,) and meticulously tied to the original surface parameters (by hand) under my own guidance. When the model is ready it is CNC machined in several processes, then meticulously handcrafted & maximum-optimized As an avid researcher, player, and collector of the very best of historic, classic vintage mouthpieces for over 30 years, I have learned how to maximize the resonance and response of the masterpieces of the past while preserving their original tonal and playing characteristics, the good characteristics.
While these are extremely faithful recreations of the original pieces, I am also discarding the errors and flaws of the originals, rather than carrying forward troublesome aspects. I am making them play as we wish those ‘almost reliable’, ‘almost reed and user-friendly’ vintage pieces with the promise of great sound should have been. When multiple design configurations have been optimized, handcrafting setup and finish make these pieces into something more.
What we are dealing with here is not a single aspect of optimization such as a better facing, but the Continue reading
Florida production Double Ring, originally 6 now .100 (7). Somewhat focused, colorful, complex, and organic sounding. This one is quite powerful and fast.
This piece is particularly balanced with depth, color, overtones, and projection in a concise and efficient facing built for speed and accuracy.
The gold plating is not excessively thick. It should Continue reading
Early Florida Otto Link Co. had a way with the large sizes. Although they were big pieces they were commonly very easy to play. I have had that experience with early 8-10 sized examples if the facing is not too schizoid. I’ve managed to put that plush ride vibe on this piece. It’s big and it plays big but also plays very easy without sacrificing a rather bombastic power.
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Bronze .100 tip plays concisely and exceptionally reed friendly with a medium facing, great depth and character. Although this projects big right out front, it has a character and rich color that lends to story telling.
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At a .102 tip this plays with brilliant focus and ease of control. Special brass alloy gives this a super resonant shouting quality, louder than effort should produce with sparkling overtones and an out front presence. This straddles the range between boldness and delicate articulation in a easily shapeable fast experience.
Moonbeam in Bronze accentuates color and weight of sound. This particular piece plays BIG with exceptionally clarity; lush, brilliant and expansive is my perception. It has a medium facing, rather than short for broad reed accommodation and ease. It’s a big world of color and complexity that is equal parts power and lyricism, smooth all through the horn.
Return policy:
This is a very small, detail oriented handcraft shop offering very personalized service. I do not have a shipping staff, or a retail staff. Time, energy and finances are entirely devoted to handcraft restoration and reinvested in the creation projects. This being the case, please respect the craft and the mission by not treating this shop as a revolving door for changing preferences or unserious exploratory adventures. I simply cannot service that action.
Vintage horns and mouthpieces: no returns. Every effort is made to accurately and transparently describe and suit vintage horns and mouthpieces to buyers. Generally we sell to people who really know what they are looking for or are willing to learn to practice up to the level of these historic works of art craft and design. Being that they are historic collector’s items, repeated shipping is an unnecessary risk, and the time involved in endless trial and return is not within the scope of this shop. In most cases local visits are very fruitful and welcomed.
Horned Toad Select mouthpieces:
For pros and long term customers-Multiple trials to find the best suited piece may be arranged provided shipping and time is compensated. Those who want to have the full trail experience, visits are encouraged!
For beginner players, and any players wanting a different tonal color, or change their minds easily I offer exchanges, provided buyer pays shipping, a restock fee of $100, and a requirement of 100% as new condition on the returned piece. My suggestion to beginner/learner players who struggle with acclimating to a new mouthpiece is to take time and study reeds and embouchure approaches to get the sound desired.
Please understand, this is a handcraft shop. A hefty financial and time investment is required for the production of these pieces and I cannot survive with endless financial and time demands on handcrafted pieces with no defects. Thanks for your attention.
